This function is mainly utilized for meshing flat blanks and tube. This function allows the user to create blank boundary line directly. The dialog box is shown in Figure 11.5.1.
Figure 11.5.1 Blank Generator Options
This function enables the user to create blank boundary line directly. After clicking this option, the program will pop up the Create Line dialog box. Refer to Section 5.1.1 for detailed description. Clicking OK or the middle mouse button, the program will close the boundary line automatically.
BOUNDARY LINE
This function enables the user to create a flat blank mesh using boundary lines. After selecting the function, the user has to select the boundary lines using the functions provided in the SELECT LINE dialog box. Upon completion of line selection, the MESH SIZE dialog box illustrated in the Figure 11.5.2 is displayed.
Figure 11.5.2 Mesh Size dialog box
TOOL RADIUS –This input box enables the user to input the smallest concerned tool radius during the forming operation. Normally, it is the profile radius of DIE. The default Tool Radius is set as 6 (mm).
ELEMENT SIZE –This input box enables the user to input the average elements size for the blank mesh. The default Element Size (edge length) is set as 32.0 (mm).
CONVERT– This function enables the user to convert the Tool Radius to the Element Size or vice versa.
OK– This function enables the user to accept the defined parameters and continue the mesh operation. An eta/DYNAFORM QUESTION dialog box illustrated in Figure 11.5.3 is displayed after the user select OK.
Figure 11.5.3 eta/DYNAFORM Question dialog box
YES – Accept blank mesh.
NO – Cancel the operation.
REMESH – The MESH SIZE dialog box is displayed. The user can modify the radius/element size.
NOTE:
1. The selected boundary lines should be lying on the same plane. Otherwise, blank mesh is generated on the least square plane of the selected line.
2. The orientation of layout of the selected line in the X-Y plane is important for the mesh. The user is recommended to rotate the lines along the Z-axis prior to generating the blank mesh. Please note that different blank mesh is generated according to the different line orientation.
This function enables the user to create a flat blank mesh by selecting an existing surface. The meshing operation is quite similar to blank mesh generation using the boundary lines.
This function enables the user to create the tubular mesh for tubular hydroforming and tube bending simulation. After TUBE function is selected, the TUBE PARAMETER dialog box illustrated inFigure 11.5.4 is displayed.
Figure 11.5.4 Tube Parameter dialog box
SIZE –Enable the user to input average element size of tube mesh. The default element size is set as 2.0.
NUMBER –Enable the user to input number of elements along the perimeter of tube.
TUBE DIAMETER – Enable the user to input diameter of tube.
TUBE LENGTH – Enable the user to input overall length of tube.
DEFINE DIRECTION – Enable the user to define the direction of tube mesh.